Still Bringing The Hate

The House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act today; here's the roll call. 18 Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the bill, which would help fund state and local law enforcement in the prevention and prosecution of hate crimes. It expands the definition of hate crimes to include "gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability." This is fairly sensible legislation with little controversy. It's the inclusion of gays and lesbians that drives theocrats batty.

So Virginia Foxx (R-NC) went on the House floor today, misinterpreted Glenn Greenwald's words to falsely assert that he supported her position, and then she let loose with this:

If you didn't vote for this bill -- against this bill and against this rule for anything else, you could vote against it because we are spending additional money. i also would like to point out that there was a bill -- the hate crimes bill that's called the Matthew Sheppard bill is named afte a very unfortunate incident that happened where a young man was killed, but we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. it wasn't because he was gay. this -- the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.

That's a complete lie, perpetrated by bigots to sow continued hate on the late Matthew Sheppard. It's totally disgusting. Here are the office numbers for Virginia Foxx. Let her know what you think of her smears against a dead gay man. Maybe you can tell her that gay bashing doesn't work anymore.

Phone: (202) 225-2071
Phone: (336) 778-0211
Phone: (828) 265-0240

...The New Hampshire legislature just passed marriage equality, we'll see if the Governor signs it. But another state may join the four who offer full rights to same-sex couples.